The Portland daily press., 1887-05-28

| QuaihbohSNo'
Occasionally new book or paper was
missing from the sitting-room, and more
than once it was found in the pantry among
the rouge-cloths and plate-powder. In one
case the missing volume was one of Lecky's.
and Miss Arden, who had searched in vain.
asked Parkins if he had seen it. He con-
fessed to having borrowed it; and when
Sylvia looked at him with obvious surprise
he made some confused remark about 'bet-
tering his education
III he can appreciate that book, said Miss
Arden afterwards to her sister, ''his educa-
ton doesn't need much lettering" @
One evening, when John Parkins had been
| with the Madisons for month or more sew
eral newly-arrived English people dined at
the house.
From the moment when the party sat
| down at table, Parkins began to behave
strangely. He became absent minded and
| inattentiye His strongest desire appeared
to be to get out of the room as quickly as
possible.
Mr.. Madison was annoyed, and thought
for moment that his butler might be under
the influence Of liquor; but after he had
watched him for minute or two he was
convinced that the man was perfectly sober,
though evidently laboring under great men
tai perturbation.
But, as one cannot watch ones butler ali
the evening, Mr. Madison's attention was
soon diverted, and the circumstance passed
| from his mind.
One day in the early spring letter came
for George Madison from the British Lega-
ton at Washington.
1t requested information in regard to the
whereabouts of Mr.. Cecil Finch, an English
gentleman whowa supposed to be in the
United States at that time. Mr.. Madison re-
piled with polite brevity that he had never
had the pleasure of knowing any one of that
name. There he thought the matter would
rest. But by return Of post came another
letter, which intimated that the Legation
could not take Mr.. Madisons reply as final.
for Cecil Finch had been seen going in and
out OF Mr.. Madison's house in New York
Mr. Madison was by this time rather Gu
rious, and not little indignant. He was not
accustomed to having his word doubted.
lie therefore wrote back somewhat sharp
ly to the effect that the only Englishman
who came and went in his household in the
manner described was his butler, John Par
| kins.
Upon my word" he said that night at
dinner to his wife and sister-in-law, II am
tired of Mr.. Cecil Finch without ever having
seen him. The logged pertinacity of the
English diplomats does them credit"
| Parkins, who was handing adish of sweets
at the moment, started SO violently that the
dish almost slipped from his fingers.
This did not escape Mr.. Madison, but he
said nothing.
Afterwards, however. he remarked to his
wife, IF am not mistaken, Parkins knows
something about Mr.. Cecil Finch"
| In day or two third letter bearing the
washington postmark arrived for Mr.. Madi-
son. 1t said, Strange as 1t may appear, we
should be glad if you would interrogate the
man whom you call John Parkins as to the
whereabouts of Mr.. Finch. Tell him that
your reason for asking is that Cecil Finch
has come into title and fortune by the
unexpected death of his uncle"
Mr.. Madison was now thoroughly excited
What If his butler were the new lord in mas
querade? he laughed to himself as he pic
tured the faces Of his wife and sister when
they should hear the news.
1t so happened that this last letter from
the Legation had been sent to Mr.. Madison's
house, and it was there that he read it,. His
wife was out with Sylvia.
His decision was quickly formed. He
touched the bell. Parkins appeared, calm
and correct, as he was in his best moments
when there was nothing to discomfort him.
"Parkins, said his master, did you, ever
happen to hear Of an English gentleman
called Cecil Flnch?"
Eyes, sir" said the butler. 81 think
have heard you mention his name, sir, at
dinner. night or two ago?"
Have you seen him?'
Eyes, sir,-in Wyoming, SIR"
ut would be good thing for him, Par
kins, said Mr.. Madison, carelessly, 'sif YOU
could find him.
How so, sir?" asked the young man,
changing color little.
He has just come into his uncle's title
and estates, and he can't be found"
by Jove! Is Lord Grmsmead dead?"
cried the butler, in voice very different
from his usual guarded one.
Before he had time to pull himself togeth-
er and apologize, Mr.. Madison pounced upon
him.
Look here, Mr.. Finchl" he said, quite
sternly, you are no butlerl Your name
isn't Parkins! Why did you lie to me?'
mo, Mr.. Madison, said the man, 81 am
not butler, and my name isn't Parkins, and
lie is not word to use among gentlemen
But, hang 1t, Parkins, -Finch,-whateve
you are, ! can't realize quite yet that you are
not what thought you five minutes ago.
And think have perfect right to know
why you have imposed on me in this way"
said Mr.. Madison, still irate.
"Of course you have" said Mr.. Finch, late
John Parkins. "The story is simply this. I
was pretty well down on my luck after hay
ing tried ranching and failed, as many cley-
erer man than 1 am has done before / was
too proud to go home. There was no one of
whom could borrow, and hadn't a penny.
saw your advertisement in the paper, and
applied for the situation. I hadn't an idea
that you'd take me, but L was touched by
your confidence, Mr.. Madison, and I've done
the very best could for you. remembered
the old butler at home, and 1 tried to model
myself on him. The other night you thought
no doubt, that was drunk. wasn't; but the
man who sat next TO Mrs. Madison was a fell
low who knew me well at Oxford, ten years
ago."
Both men had been standing while they
talked. Madison read candor and integrity
in the handsome face of the other.
"Sit down, Mr.. Finch" he said, land tell
me the rest
L would rather stand, thank you," said
Finch. "How do you know that I'm telling
you the truth? Is my Oxford friend in town
yet?"
Il believe so, said Mr.. Madison.
'Will you go there with me and get
me identifed?" asked Finch. Then he
added, smiling little, 81 believe I've got
one pretty decent coat"
About six o'clock the ladies came home
The parlor was fun of spring twilight.
why are no lamps lighted?" asked Mrs.
Madison. Where's Parkins? l never knew
him to be so careless"
She rang the bell sharply. 1t was answered
by her maid.
Where is Parkins?" Mrs Madison de-
manded.
"Gone out, ma'am, with Mr. Madison"
said the maid demurely.
tfIVith Mr. Madison uo,.,